Cancer Control Month, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

We are making great gains in the fight against cancer. Advances in
prevention, early detection, and treatment are reducing cancer rates
and increasing the likelihood of survival. Despite this progress,
cancer remains the second leading cause of death in America. During
Cancer Control Month, we continue to work to learn more about cancer
prevention and detection, promote efforts to find better treatments and
a cure, and support cancer patients, survivors, and their families.

A healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of developing certain types
of cancer. This year, the Department of Health and Human Services
released new Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, which emphasize
reducing caloric intake, eating healthy foods, and increasing physical
activity. I encourage all Americans to follow these guidelines, to use
sunscreen and limit exposure to the sun, and to avoid tobacco and
alcohol abuse. I also urge citizens to talk with their doctors about
their cancer risk and to get regular check-ups and preventive
screenings. Detecting cancer early increases survival rates and saves
lives.

There are nearly 9.8 million cancer survivors in the United States
today because of advances in health care. Aggressive funding will lead
scientists to earlier diagnoses and improved treatments for lung,
colorectal, and other cancers. My Administration proposed more than
$5.6 billion for cancer prevention, treatment, and research through the
National Institutes of Health in my fiscal year 2006 budget. These
funds will help scientists learn more about this devastating disease
and offer new hope for countless Americans and their families.

As we observe this month, we honor cancer survivors for their
inspiring examples of courage, steadfast strength, and willingness to
share their stories and experiences with others. We recognize the
families, friends, and loved ones who support and encourage those
living with cancer. And we remain grateful to our scientists and
medical professionals, who make America's health care system the best
in the world. Together, we can help all our citizens live healthier,
longer lives.

In 1938, the Congress of the United States passed a joint
resolution (52 Stat. 148; 36 U.S.C. 103) as amended, requesting the
President to issue an annual proclamation declaring April as "Cancer
Control Month."

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NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim April 2005 as Cancer Control Month. I
encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit
organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that
raise awareness about how all Americans can prevent and control
cancer.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.